KR19990078390A - Print image-forming method and device and printing apparatus incorporating the device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object and a printing apparatus including the apparatus are provided. A basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image is created. When it is impossible to print the base image in the print area as the print image, a reduced image of the base image is created as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image.

Description

Print image-forming method and device and printing apparatus incorporating the device

The present invention is, for example, used in a printing apparatus such as a tape printing apparatus capable of printing a fixed length, a printing image creation method and apparatus for creating a printing image for printing in a preset printing area on a print object, And a printing apparatus such as, for example, a tape printing apparatus provided with the apparatus.

For example, in the above-described tape printing apparatus capable of printing a certain length, the length (tape length) of the printing area of the tape, the front and rear margins, and the like (front margin length and rear margin length) are set, and the predetermined cutting position after printing. By cutting the tape, a label or the like of a predetermined length can be produced.

That is, it is necessary to print a desired print image in a print area limited by the set length or the like. For this reason, in the print image generating apparatus used for this kind of tape printing apparatus, it is necessary to create a print image so that printing can be performed in the preset print area.

On the other hand, with this type of tape printing apparatus, a plurality of paragraphs can be printed one after another in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and each paragraph can print a string listing input characters on one or more lines, and each line Not only can the character size of each line be arbitrarily specified, but also to avoid the trouble of specifying the size of each line for a large number of lines and the like, as shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, all the lines are collectively sized for each paragraph. It is possible to specify.

For example, in the so-called "character size equality mode", as shown in FIG. 17A, the same character size is automatically set in accordance with the tape width and the number of lines for all the lines of a plurality of lines (three lines in the figure). do.

In addition, in the "character size shift mode", as shown in Fig. 17B, a line having a large number of characters is automatically set so that the length is balanced as a small character size according to the number of characters of each character string of each line (Japan See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-125376).

Further, in the "character size menu mode" in Fig. 17C, for example, an abstract and relative character size setting of ?? large and small is selected, and the first row is "large", the second row is "medium", and It is set automatically so that the 3rd line may be a character size of "small" (refer to Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 6-143690).

However, for example, even in a conventional tape printing apparatus capable of specifying various size setting modes for each paragraph as described above, when a basic image that is the basis of a print image is created and a predetermined length is set. When the created basic image cannot be printed in the set constant length range (constant length area), the basic image is uniformly reduced so as to fit the set constant length area without distinguishing each paragraph or the like, thereby printing in the constant length area. Possible print images are created and printed.

That is, although the basic image has been created by utilizing various size setting modes and the like, the user's intention in creating the basic image is ignored when the created basic image cannot be printed in a predetermined length area.

For example, in this conventional tape printing apparatus, even if a label in which title portions such as video are arranged in the same size and a plurality of labeled videos or the like are to be stored, paragraphs of the important title portion are separated. Like this other non-critical paragraph, it is uniformly reduced, so that the title portion of the produced label is also reduced, which satisfies the desired original purpose, namely, the purpose of producing a label in which the title portion is arranged in the same size. none.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for creating a printed image, which can reduce the basis image to be printed within a preset printing area while reflecting the intention of creating the base image on the printed image of the result of the reduction; To provide the device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a print image creating apparatus capable of reflecting the intention of creating a base image on a print image of the result of the reduction while reducing the basis image to be printed within a preset printing area. It is to provide a printing apparatus.

In order to achieve the said 1st objective, according to the 1st aspect of this invention,

A method of creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object,

Creating a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image;

Creating a reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image when the base image is impossible to print in the print area as the print image. It is provided a method consisting of.

In order to achieve the said 1st objective, according to the 2nd aspect of this invention,

A print image creating device for creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object,

Basic image creating means for creating a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image;

When it is impossible to print the base image in the print area as the print image, reduction of creating the reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image. There is provided a printed image creating apparatus having image creating means.

In this printing image creation method and apparatus, at least one of the variable size element images is generated when a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image is created and reduced. Since the size of the elementary image is reduced, the size of the fixed size element image does not change even if the basic image is reduced to enable printing.

For this reason, if a basic image is created by distinguishing them by characteristics of each element image, for example, an important element image is a fixed size element image, and an element image that is not is a variable size element image. The intention is also reflected in the print image.

Therefore, in this printing image creation method and apparatus, it is possible to reflect the intention at the time of creating the base image in the print image of the result of the reduction while reducing the base image as the basis so that printing is possible in the preset print area.

Preferably, the step of creating the basic image comprises creating the plurality of element images, and for each of the created element images, whether the element image is the at least one fixed size element image or the at least one variable. Each step of setting the size characteristic including the setting as to whether one of the size element image is included.

Preferably, the elementary image creating means includes element image creating means for creating the plurality of element images, and for each of the created element images, the element image is the at least one fixed size element image or the at least one element. And a size characteristic setting means for setting the size characteristic including a setting relating to whether or not it is one of the variable size element image.

According to these preferred forms, for each created element image, whether the element image is a fixed size element image or a variable size element image is set. For example, an important element image is set as a fixed size element image. A basic image that distinguishes the element image size characteristics of each element image, such as making the image a variable size element image, can be created. In other words, this makes it possible to more clearly reflect the intention of the user or the like at the time of creating each elementary image of the basic image in the printed image.

In addition, since the element image size characteristic can be set for each of the created element images, it is possible to cope by changing the setting when the print image does not have a desired arrangement or it is found that printing is impossible in the print area.

Preferably, the step of creating the reduced image comprises selecting at least one reduction ratio of a plurality of reduction ratios at which the at least one variable size elemental image is reduced, and the at least one variable size at the selected at least one reduction ratio. Each step of reducing the element image is included.

Preferably, the reduced image creating means comprises: reduction ratio selecting means for selecting at least one reduction ratio among a plurality of reduction ratios in which the at least one variable size elemental image is reduced, and the at least one variable at the selected at least one reduction ratio It has a reduction means for reducing the size element image.

According to these preferred embodiments, the image can be made a print image of a desired size that can be printed in the print area by selecting at least one desired reduction ratio from the plurality of reduction ratios.

More preferably, the selecting at least one reduction ratio may include: reducing the at least one reduction ratio such that the reduced image has a maximum size among the possible sizes that can reduce the base image using the plurality of reduction ratios. It includes choosing.

More preferably, the reduction ratio selecting means selects the at least one reduction ratio such that the reduction image has a maximum size among the possible sizes that can reduce the base image using the plurality of reduction ratios.

According to these preferred embodiments, since the reduced size of the largest size among the reduced images that can be printed on the printing area is selected as the printing image, the printing image becomes the largest size that can be printed on the printing area. That is, a large and outstanding printed image can be created.

More preferably, selecting the at least one reduction ratio includes: temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction ratios in descending order, calculating the size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio, And when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, each step of actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio.

More preferably, the reduction ratio selecting means is a temporary selection means for temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction ratios in descending order, and a size calculating means for calculating the size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio. And yarn selecting means for actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area.

According to these preferred embodiments, by using at least one reduction ratio selected among the plurality of reduction ratios, it is possible to reliably obtain a reduced image of the maximum size that can be printed on the printing area from the base image.

More preferably, the method further comprises an error message when the size of the reduced image calculated by applying the minimum reduction ratio of the plurality of reduction ratios to all of the at least one variable size elemental image is larger than the size of the print area. It further comprises the step of outputting.

More preferably, when the size of the reduced image calculated by applying the minimum reduction ratio among the plurality of reduction ratios to all of the at least one variable size elemental image is larger than the size of the print area. And notifying means for outputting an error message.

According to these preferred embodiments, the user is notified that the smallest sized image in the reduced size which is reduced in stages in the plurality of stages of reduction is impossible to print in the print area. You can see that it is impossible to print. This makes it easier for the user to deal with it more quickly, such as changing to another basic image or other setting.

More preferably, the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, and the selecting of the at least one reduction ratio is in descending order to temporarily select one of the plurality of reduction factors. And sequentially increasing the number of selected ones of the variable size element images one by one so that the temporarily selected reduction ratio of the plurality of variable size element images is applied, so that each time the number of the selected variable size element images increases, at least the temporarily Calculating the size of the reduced image using the selected reduction ratio, and when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, each step of actually selecting at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio.

More preferably, the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, and the reduction ratio selecting means is a temporary selection means for temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction ratios in descending order; Means for increasing the number of selected ones of the variable size element images sequentially one by one so as to apply the temporarily selected reduction ratio among a plurality of variable size element images, when the number of the selected variable size element images increases A size calculation means for calculating the size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio each time, and real selection for actually selecting at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. Have the means.

According to these preferred embodiments, even when the same reduction ratio is used, the reduction steps can be performed as many as the variable size element images, and the reduced images can be used as candidates for the print images. Dense reduction processing can be performed, whereby a suitable print image can be produced by the print area.

More preferably, the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, and the selecting of the at least one reduction ratio is in descending order to temporarily select one of the plurality of reduction factors. And apply the temporarily selected one reduction ratio to all of the plurality of variable size elemental images to calculate the size of the reduced image, and when the calculated size is less than or equal to the size of the print area, the temporarily selected reduction ratio. Each step of the actual selection.

More preferably, the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, and the reduction ratio selecting means is a temporary selection means for temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction ratios in descending order; Size calculation means for calculating the size of the reduced image by applying a temporarily reduced one reduction ratio to all of the plurality of variable size elemental images, and when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, the temporarily selected It has a real selection means for actually selecting the reduction ratio.

According to these preferred embodiments, since the plurality of variable size element images are reduced by one step by using one reduction ratio, the reduction size in one reduction step can be increased, for example, the size and printing of the basic image is reduced. In the case where the possible sizes are as far as possible, the reduction processing can be speeded up.

Preferably, the at least one variable size element image includes a variable size element image having at least one character image, and the at least one character image has a plurality of setable character sizes, and the reduction Creating an image includes changing the original character size of each of the at least one character image to a size smaller than the original character size by selecting an appropriate one of the plurality of sizes.

Preferably, the at least one variable size element image includes a variable size element image having at least one character image, and the at least one character image has a plurality of setable character sizes, and the reduction The image creating means includes text size changing means for changing the original text size of each of the at least one text image to a size smaller than the original text size by selecting an appropriate one of the plurality of sizes.

According to these preferred forms, the at least one variable size element image includes at least one character image, and the character image has a plurality of sizes that can be set. In the reduction of the variable size element image, the variable size element image can be reduced by reducing the size of each character image. In general, since a printing apparatus or the like has sizes of a plurality of character images, in this case, it is possible to easily reduce the size by simply changing the size.

More preferably, the variable size elemental image having at least one character image includes a plurality of rows of character images, and the step of creating the reduced image is such that each character image is reduced in the same reduction ratio. And optionally setting the plurality of character sizes in each row.

More preferably, the variable size elemental image having at least one character image includes a plurality of rows of character images, wherein the reduced image creating means is configured such that each of the character images is reduced at the same reduction ratio. And a character size setting means for selectively setting a plurality of character sizes in each of the above rows.

According to these preferred embodiments, the variable size element image having at least one character image includes a plurality of rows, and the reduction ratio of the variable size element image having the plurality of rows includes a reduction ratio in which the character images of each row are the same. Since the variable size element image can be reduced in the same relative appearance, the user's intention of setting (expecting) the relative relationship can be reflected in the printed image.

Preferably, the at least one variable size elemental image includes a plurality of text images and a blank image other than a character image between the adjacent ones of the character images, and the step of creating the reduced image includes: Reducing the size of the blank image.

Preferably, the at least one variable size elemental image includes a blank image other than a character image between a plurality of character images and those adjacent to the character image, wherein the reduced image creating means includes: Means for reducing the size of the blank image.

According to these preferred embodiments, since a variable size element image having a blank image between each character image is included, the variable size element image can be easily reduced by simply reducing the blank image. .

Advantageously, said at least one variable size elemental image comprises at least one character image and a margin image before and after that, and said reducing the reduced image comprises reducing the size of said margin image. do.

Advantageously, said at least one variable size elemental image comprises at least one character image and a margin image before and after said step of reducing said reduced image comprises means for reducing the size of said margin image. Include.

According to these preferred embodiments, since a variable size element image having a margin image is included before and after the character image, the variable size element image can be easily reduced by simply reducing the margin image. have.

Preferably, the print object is a tape.

According to these preferred embodiments, since the object to be printed is a tape, the present invention can be applied as a printing image creating method of the tape printing apparatus and the apparatus.

More preferably, the base image is configured by arranging the plurality of urea images in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the tape.

According to these preferred embodiments, since the elementary image is configured by arranging each element image in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the tape, a print image capable of printing in a constant length range is created in a tape printing apparatus that can set a fixed length. The case becomes suitable.

More preferably, the plurality of element images correspond to a plurality of paragraphs printed on a tape, respectively.

In general, in a tape printing apparatus, since one unification, such as a sentence, is integrated into one paragraph, the contents (aim) and importance of the images of each paragraph are different from each other. According to these preferred embodiments, each element image of the plurality of element images corresponds to one of a plurality of paragraphs printed on the tape, respectively. Thus, when an image of each paragraph is distinguished by importance or the like, a basic image is created. Even in the reduction, the intent and importance of each paragraph are reflected in the printed image, so that the intention when creating it can be clearly reflected.

As a result, for example, in the printing image creation method and the tape printing apparatus to which the apparatus is applied, a label in which title portions such as videos are arranged in the same size is produced, and a plurality of labeled videos and the like are stored in order. If desired, paragraphs such as important titles are fixed at a fixed size, and paragraphs of information, such as a date or the like, are variable in size, so that a printed image reflecting the intention can be created, and the printed images can be printed. It is possible to produce a label (for example, arranging the title portion in the same size).

In order to achieve the second object, according to the third aspect of the present invention,

A print image creating device for creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object,

Basic image creating means for creating a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image;

When it is impossible to print the base image in the print area as the print image, reduction of creating the reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image. A print image creating apparatus having image creating means;

There is provided a printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing a printing image created by the printing image creating apparatus in the printing area.

Since the printing apparatus includes the above-described printing image producing apparatus, the printing apparatus having the various advantages described above and capable of printing the created print image in a preset printing area while reflecting the intention at the time of creating the basic image is provided. do.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the lid of the tape printing apparatus of Fig. 1 is opened and the tape cartridge is taken out.

3 is an internal configuration diagram of a tape cartridge.

4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the tape printing apparatus of FIG.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing conceptual processing of the entire control of the tape printing apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a view of the first half showing a method of selecting and setting a character size in an image of a display screen of a liquid crystal display;

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of selection division of character size designation.

FIG. 8 is a later view following FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an image diagram similar to FIG. 6 showing a method for selecting and setting an allocation style in an arbitrary length. FIG.

FIG. 10 is an image diagram similar to FIG. 6 showing a method for selecting and setting an allocation style in a fixed length; FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of constant length processing.

Fig. 12 is a conceptual image diagram showing an outline of the constant length processing in Fig. 11, (a) is an image diagram showing a basic image (printed image data), and (b) and (c) are respectively the basis of (a). Image diagram showing a reduced image of an image (printed image data).

Fig. 13 is a table showing the size of each reduction step of the character size.

14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the constant length processing.

FIG. 15 is a view like (a) to (h) of FIG. 14 showing another example.

FIG. 16 is a view like FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C, showing another example. FIG.

17A to 17C are diagrams showing character size settings and arrangement images thereof by a conventional tape printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1: tape printing device 3: keyboard

4: display 5: tape cartridge

11 operation panel 12 printing unit

13: cutting part 14: detecting part

41: display screen 200: control unit

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the printing image production method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, the tape printing apparatus which applied the apparatus, and the printing apparatus provided with this apparatus is demonstrated in detail, referring an accompanying drawing.

The tape printing apparatus 1 prints (prints) desired characters, figures, and the like on a printing tape (tape) T mounted in the apparatus via the tape cartridge 5, and at the same time, the tape T Is to cut the printed portion to a predetermined length to produce a label,

As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printing apparatus 1 has an outer shell formed by a device case 2 divided into two upper and lower sides, and a keyboard 3 made of various input keys is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the apparatus case 2. At the same time, the opening and closing cover 21 and the display 4 are provided on the left and right sides of the rear upper surface, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the opening / closing cover 21, the pocket 6 for mounting the tape cartridge 5 is provided, and the tape cartridge 5 is in the state which opened this opening / closing cover 21. The attachment and detachment with respect to the pocket (6).

In the tape cartridge 5, a tape T having a constant width (about 4.5 mm to 48 mm depending on the type of tape) is built in the tape cartridge 5 so that the types of the tapes T having different widths or the like can be identified. A plurality of small holes are provided, and the pocket 6 is provided with a tape identification sensor 142 (see FIG. 4) such as a micro switch that detects the presence or absence of this hole. The type can be detected.

In addition, the pocket 6 is provided with an ambient temperature sensor 143 (see FIG. 4) such as a thermistor which detects and reports the environment (ambient) temperature, and detects the ambient temperature and reports it to the controller 200 described later. do. In addition, a tape discharge port 22 is formed at the left side of the device case 2 to connect the pocket 6 and the outside of the device, and the tape discharge port 22 has a tape cutter for cutting the exported tape T ( 132 is located (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 4, the tape printing apparatus 1 is a basic structure, and has the keyboard 3 and the display 4, the operation part 11 which interfaces with a user, the thermal head 7, and a tape delivery part. (The printing part 12 which prints on the tape T of the tape cartridge 5 which has 120 and mounted in the pocket 6, the cutting part 13 which cuts the tape T after printing, and various sensors with various sensors And a detection unit 14 for driving each part circuit with various drivers, and a control unit 200 for controlling each part in the tape printing apparatus 1.

Inside the apparatus case 2, a circuit board 23 other than the drawing is housed in addition to the printing section 12, the cutting section 13, the detecting section 14, and the like. In addition to the power supply unit, the circuit board is equipped with a driving circuit section 270, a circuit of the control section 200, and the like described later, and is connected to a battery such as a nickel cadmium battery that can be attached or detached from the outside, or an AC adapter connecting port 24. .

In the tape printing apparatus 1, a user attaches a tape cartridge 5 to a pocket 6, and then prints images of desired characters (letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, etc.) by the keyboard 3. The information is input, and the display 4 confirms the input result and edits it at the same time.

After that, when printing is instructed via the keyboard 3, the tape delivery unit 120 is driven to release the tape T from the tape cartridge 5 and the thermal head 7 is driven. Printing desired on tape T is performed.

The print end portion of the tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port 22 to the outside at any time in parallel with the printing operation. In this way, when the desired coating process is completed, the tape sending part 120 will send the tape T to the position of the tape length containing a margin part, and will stop sending.

The cutting part 13 automatically cuts the tape cutter 132, the cut button 133 which cuts and operates the tape cutter 132 by hand in the case of arbitrary length printing, etc. The cutter motor 131 which cuts | moves the 132 is provided (refer FIG. 4). In this way, the tape printing apparatus 1 can switch the automatic / manual mode by setting the mode.

For this reason, in the case of manual cut, when the printing is completed, the user presses the cut button 133 (refer to FIG. 1, FIG. 2) provided in the left rear part of the apparatus case 2, and the tape cutter 132 is carried out. Is operated to cut the tape T to the desired length. In the case of automatic cut, printing ends and only the margin part is sent to the tape, and when it stops, the cut motor 131 is driven to cut the tape T. As shown in FIG.

Next, the printing unit 12 will be described. As shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the tape cartridge 5 accommodates the tape T and the ink ribbon R in the inside of the cartridge case 51, and is comprised by the pocket (in the lower left part). The through-hole 55 for plugging into the head unit 61 provided in 6) is formed. In addition, the platen roller 56 is accommodated in the part where the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap with the thermal head 7 built in the head unit 61.

On the other hand, in the pocket 6 corresponding to the tape cartridge 5, the platen drive shaft 62 which engages with the platen roller 56 and rotates it, and the winding drive shaft which engages with the ribbon winding reel 54 and rotates it are rotated. 63 and the positioning pin 64 are provided, respectively.

When the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket 6, the through hole 55 of the tape cartridge 5 in the head unit 61 is the center hole 52a of the tape reel 52 (in the positioning pin 64). )) The platen roller 56 (the center hole 56a of the platen roller 56) is inserted into the platen drive shaft 62, and the ribbon winding reel 54 (the center hole 54a of the) is inserted into the winding drive shaft 63, respectively. (T) and the ink ribbon R can be conveyed. In addition, when the opening / closing cover 21 is closed in this state, the thermal head is brought into contact with the platen roller 56 to sandwich the tape T and the ink ribbon to enable printing.

The tape T is unwound from the tape reel 52, and the ink ribbon R is unwound from the ribbon reel 53 and overlapped with the tape T, and then the ribbon winding reel 54 Is wound up. That is, when the platen roller 56 and the ribbon winding reel 54 are rotated in synchronism, the tape T and the ink ribbon R are sent at the same time, and the thermal head 7 is driven in synchronization with these to print. All.

Further, after the printing is completed, the rotation of the platen roller 56 (the ribbon winding reel 54 is also synchronously rotated) continues for a predetermined time, so that the feeding of the tape T is continued, and the predetermined cutting position is changed to the tape cut ( 132) is sent to the location.

In addition, a head surface humidity sensor 144 (see FIG. 4) such as a thermistor is provided in close contact with the surface of the thermal head 7 to detect the surface humidity of the thermal head 7 and report it to the controller 200 described later. .

The tape sending part 120 rotates the said platen drive shaft 62 and the winding drive shaft 63 as a power (drive) source by the DC motor 121 (refer FIG. 4) provided in the pocket 6 side. Is provided in a space extending from the side of the pocket 6.

The tape feeder 120 includes an encoder 122 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the rotational speed of the DC motor 121, the platen drive shaft 62, the winding drive shaft 63, and the DC motor 121, and DC. It includes a reduction gear train (not shown) for transmitting the power of the motor 121 to each drive shaft, and a chassis for supporting them.

In addition, the encoder 122 has four detection openings formed at four positions in the disc-shaped main direction, and is fixed to the tip of the main shaft of the DC motor 121 (for convenience, only the disc part except for the rotational speed sensor 141 described below). Encoder.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection part 14 is a rotation which detects the rotational speed of the DC motor 121 other than the above-mentioned tape identification sensor 142, the ambient temperature sensor 143, the head surface temperature sensor 144, and the like. The speed sensor 141 is provided. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which abbreviate | omitted these according to actual conditions as mentioned later.

This rotational speed sensor 141 supports a photo sensor and a photo sensor other than the one adjacent to the detection opening of the encoder 122 mentioned above, and is provided with the sensor circuit board which performs photoelectric conversion between them. In the photo sensor, a light emitting element other than the figure and a light receiving element are disposed to face each other, and the light of the light emitting element passes through the detection opening of the encoder 122 (circumferential direction of the rotating direction) to receive the light receiving element, thereby rotating the DC motor 121. A number (pulse number) is detected. That is, the flickering of the light received by the light receiving element is photoelectrically converted by the sensor circuit board, and is output to the control part 200 mentioned later as a pulse signal.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drive circuit unit 270 includes a display driver 271, a head driver 272, and a motor driver 273.

The display driver 271 drives the display 4 of the operation unit 11 according to the instruction based on the control signal output from the control unit 200. Similarly, the head driver 272 drives the thermal head 7 of the printing unit 12 according to the instruction of the control unit 200.

The motor driver 273 has a DC motor driver 273d for driving the DC motor 121 of the printing unit 12 and a cut motor driver 273c for driving the cut motor 131 of the cutting unit 13. Likewise, each motor is driven according to the instruction of the controller 200.

The operation unit 11 has a keyboard 3 and a display 4. The display 4 has a display screen 41 capable of displaying display image data of 96 dots x 64 dots inside a rectangular shape of about 6 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) x 4 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction). It is used when data is input from the keyboard 3 to create and edit print image data such as character string image data, to acknowledge the result, or to input various commands and selection instructions from the keyboard 3.

In addition to the character key group 31 including the alphabet key group 311 other than the figure, the symbol key group 312, the numeric key group 313, and the foreign key group 315 for calling out and selecting foreign characters, the keyboard 3 has various operations. A function key group 32 or the like for designating a mode or the like is arranged. In addition, in the case of a device capable of inputting Japanese, Kana-ki group 314 such as hiragana and katakana is also provided.

The function key group 32 includes a power key 321 other than the figure, a print key 322 for instructing a printing operation, and a selection key for selecting a selection of various modes on the data confirmation, newline, and selection screen during text input ( 323), a color designation key 324 for designating a print color of the print image data or its intermediate color (mixed color), a color setting key 325 for setting text color or background color, and up ('↑') and down ( Four cursor keys 330 (up arrow key 330U) for moving the cursor in the direction of `` ↓ '', left (`` ← ''), and right (`` → '') or to move the display range of the display screen 41. , Down arrow key 330D, left arrow key 330L, right arrow key 330R) are included.

The function key group 32 also includes a cancel key 326 for canceling various instructions, a shift key 327 used to change the role of each key or to correct drawing registration image data, a text input screen, a selection screen, and a print image. An image key 328 for changing the display screen (image screen) of the data, a ratio change (zoom) key 329 for changing the size ratio between the print image data and the display image data displayed on the image screen, and A style key 341 for setting various styles and styles of a label is included.

In addition, as in a general keyboard, these key inputs may be inputted individually by inputting each key input, or may be input using fewer keys in combination with a shift key 327 or the like. . In this case, it is assumed that the key is as tall as the above minutes for easy understanding.

As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard 3 inputs various commands and data as described above to the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM) 230, a RAM 240, and a peripheral control circuit (P-CON) 250, and each other has an internal bus. 260 is connected.

The ROM 220 has a control data area 222 for storing control data including a character size table, a character expression table, and the like, in addition to the control program area 221 for storing a control program processed by the CPU 210. .

The CG-ROM 230 stores font data such as characters, symbols, graphics, and the like prepared in the tape printing apparatus 1, and outputs corresponding font data when code data specifying characters and the like is given.

The RAM 240 is supplied with power by another backup circuit so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off by the operation of the power key 321. 3) a text data area 242 for storing text data such as characters input from 3), a display image data area 243 for storing display image data on the display screen 41, and a print image data area for storing print image data 244, the drawing registration image data area 245 which stores drawing registration image data, and other areas such as a print history data area 246 and various conversion buffer areas 247 such as other color conversion buffers, and the like; It is used as a work area for processing.

In the P-CON 250, a logic circuit for supplementing the functions of the CPU 21 and handling an interface signal with a peripheral circuit is constructed and built by a gate array, a custom (LSI), or the like. For example, a timer 251 which performs various kinds of time is also incorporated as a function in the P-CON 250. ·

For this reason, the P-CON 250 is connected to the various sensors of the detection part 14, the keyboard 3, and the above-mentioned various detection signals from the detection part 14, various instructions, input data, etc. from the keyboard 3, etc. And process the data or control signal output from the CPU 210 or the like to the internal bus 260 as it is or by processing the same as the CPU 210. )

The CPU 210 inputs various detection signals, various commands, various data, and the like from the CG-ROM 230 via the P-CON 250 according to the control program in the ROM 220 by the above configuration. Font data, various data in the RAM 240, and the like, and output a control signal to the driving circuit unit 270 via the P-CON 250 to control the position of printing, display control of the display screen 41, and the like. At the same time, the whole of the tape printing apparatus 1 is controlled by controlling the thermal head 7 to print on the tape T under predetermined printing conditions.

Next, the process flow of the whole control of the tape printing apparatus 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. When the processing starts due to power-on or the like, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the initial setting such as restoring each control flag that is being evacuated is performed in order to return the tape printing apparatus 1 to the state at the time of the last power-off. (S1) Then, the previous display screen is displayed as the initial screen (S2).

Subsequent processing of Fig. 5, namely, the determination branch S3 of whether or not the key is input and the various interrupt processing S4 are conceptually shown. In fact, in the tape printing apparatus 1, when the initial screen display S2 ends, the key input interrupt is allowed, and the state is maintained as it is until the key input interrupt occurs (S3: No). When it occurs (32: Yes), each interrupt process is shifted (S4). When the interrupt process ends, the state is maintained again (S3: No).

As described above, in the tape printing apparatus 1, since the main processing is performed by interrupt processing, when the print image data to be printed is made, the print processing interrupt is generated by pressing the print key 322 at an arbitrary point in time. A print process is started and printing can be performed by the print image data. That is, the user can arbitrarily select the operation sequence until reaching printing.

First, with reference to FIGS. 6-8, the selection and setting method of a character size is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 6, when the text input screen is displayed (screen T10: hereinafter, the display state of the display screen 41 is represented by the screen Txx, and only the reference number is indicated by Txx). Pressing becomes possible to select and set a predetermined format and style relationship when printing (T11).

That is, any one of the following three items: ① "text size", ② "assignment", and ⑧ "border border typesetting" is selected by the down arrow key 330D (or right arrow key 330R) or the up arrow key ( 330U (or left arrow key 330L) is used to reverse display (indicated by a dot in the diagram in the drawing), and the reverse display can be selected and specified by pressing the selection key 323.

As shown in Fig. 6, since the default 1 " character size " is inverted immediately after the style 341 is pressed, " character size " is selected by pressing the selection key 323 in this state T11. Each setting method of the character size becomes selectable (T12).

As a method for setting the character size, as shown in Fig. 7, the second layer is a lower layer of the " character size " of the selection branch of the first layer. Equivalent ① Equivalent, equal to the character size shift mode, and ⑧ Rows, which are specified for the "Easy", "Character size menu mode", and the improved "Character size free mode". In the third layer as a lower layer of "line number", there are a choice of "1" free height "corresponding to" 1 "menu of" character size menu mode "and" character size menu mode ".

For example, the down arrow key 330D (or right arrow key 330R) or the up arrow key 330U (or left arrow key 330L) in the state T12 in which the selection branches of the character size of FIG. 6 are displayed. ), The third layer is displayed (T14) when the selection key 323 is pressed (T13) and the third layer is displayed (T14). When the display is reversed (T15) and the selection key 323 is pressed, the input screen of " free extension " is displayed (hereinafter, omitted). On the other hand, if the cancel key 326 is pressed from the state of the screen T14, it can return to the 2nd layer of a higher layer (T16).

When the character size setting of each line by the menu of each line or "free extension" is finished and the selection key 323 is pressed, the process returns to the first hierarchy (T17). Further, when the selection key 323 is pressed in the state T12 in which the automatic ease is displayed in reverse, the " auto easy " is set and returns to the first layer in the same manner (T17).

As shown in Fig. 8, when the down arrow key 330D or the right arrow key 330R is pressed in this state (T17: common to Fig. 7), the "edge border typesetting" is inverted and displayed (T18). When the operation is performed, "End?" Is inverted (Tl9).

In this state T19, when the selection key 323 is pressed, the input of the effective range is promoted (T20 to T21). For example, when the selection key 323 is pressed by inverting (designating) this paragraph, the character is pressed. The setting of the style-style relationship including the size is finished, and the screen returns to the text input screen (T22: same as T10 in Fig. 7).

In this case, the character size (mode) is set in the paragraph in which the cursor K is located, and the inside (control unit 200) returns to the text input screen and calculates the character size in accordance with the set mode. Create a print image.

Next, a description will be given of a method of selecting and setting a fixed length / arbitrary length and a method of selecting and setting an allocation style of a print image composed of a character string image and the like.

For example, in the state T10 described above in FIG. 6, that is, in the display state of the text input screen, the style key 341 is pressed in the same manner, and the display state T11 of the format, style selection screen is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 2, " assignment " for performing the allocation process is displayed in reverse (T30: display like Tl7 in Fig. 6 or 8), and the selection key 323 is pressed to change the length / arbitrary length and change in the assignment process. The selection screen is displayed (T31).

In addition, since a fixed length is mentioned later, arbitrary length is demonstrated first.

In this state T30, " arbitrary length " is inverted and displayed (T31), and the selection key 323 is pressed to display a selection screen of the assignment style in an arbitrary length (T32),

In this state (T32), as the allocation style, " Equality " which designates an equal allocation process with equal intervals between each character image of the character string image, and ② A left-end trimming process of arranging the left end of the character string image to the left end of the predetermined range. "Left edge" to designate, ③ "Right edge designating right edge trimming process which arranges the right edge of a string image in the right edge of a predetermined range, ④" Center which designates character arrangement processing which arranges the center of a string image in the center of a predetermined range. "," Enlarge / reduce "to designate an enlargement process for enlarging each character image or a reduction process for reduction so that the length of the character string image fits within a predetermined range. It is possible to select any one of the optional branch.

Here, as an example, " left end " is inverted (T32) and the selection key 323 is pressed to return to the above-described format / style selection screen (T33: same as T18 in Fig. 8). In this state (T33), as described above, "end?" Is inverted and displayed (same as T34: T19). When the selection key 323 is pressed, the effective range is promoted (same as T35 = T20). For example, if this document is highlighted (T35) and the selection key 323 is pressed, the format / style selection / setting is terminated and the screen returns to the text input screen (same as T22 in FIG. 8).

In this case, instead of returning to the text input screen and setting the entire sentence, that is, the entire printed image, to the arbitrary length, not the paragraph where the cursor K is located, the printed image according to the above-described setting mode of character size is kept as it is. Lose.

Next, a method of selecting and setting a fixed length will be described.

Immediately after pressing the style key 341 as described above in Fig. 6, since the default ① " character size " is inverted (Tll in Fig. 6), it is inverted display of " assignment " (T30 in Fig. 9), When the selection key 323 is pressed, a selection screen of constant length / arbitrary length and change at the time of allocation processing is displayed (T31 in Fig. 9).

As shown in FIG. 10, from the state (T40: same as 131 of FIG. 9), the up arrow key 330U is operated to invert the "constant length" (T41), and when the selection key 323 is pressed, the above-described operation is performed. A screen for selecting a predetermined length and a case for selecting a predetermined length is displayed (T42).

In this state (T42): ① "Don't stop" setting the fixed length, ② "A4 file" specifying the width of the label for A4 file (assuming 20 cm here) as the prescribed length, and ③ for B5 file at the same time. `` B5 file '' specifying (15cm) ④ `` 5.25FD '' specifying 5.25FD (8.5cm) ⑤ `` 3.5FD '' specifying 3.5FD (6.5cm) ⑥VHS / β (14cm ) VHS / β, ⑦ 8mm video (7cm), 8mm video (8cm), music tape (9.5cm), music tape,. … One of the choices, such as these, can be selected (T42-T44).

Here, as an example, when " 8mm video " is inverted (T44) and the selection key 323 is pressed, a selection screen of the assignment style for a certain length is displayed (T45).

In addition, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the numerical value key group 313 described above with the keyboard 3 in a state (T42 to T44) in which not only the length of the prescribed type described above but also the above-described constant length setting selection screen is displayed. ) (For example, "7" key), "7 cm" is set as a fixed length by the numerical value ("7") (T46).

After setting the allocation style (after T47: same as after T18 in FIG. 8 or after T33 in FIG. 9), the detailed description is omitted, but in the tape printing apparatus 1, when a certain length is set, At the same time as returning to the text input screen (same as T22 in Fig. 8), a constant length setting interrupt is generated, and as shown in Fig. 11, the constant length processing is started to generate a short-circuit (element image) each composed of a character image or the like. The size of each paragraph (each element image) of the print image is adjusted (reduced) and assigned so that the length (printing device) of the print image has a length (constant length set value) of the fixed length range (print area).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the fixed length process is supplemented with the outline | summary and the specific example of the process with reference to FIGS. 12A-15G. Hereinafter, the label image when the print image data is printed in Gxx, the print image when it is printed in Mxx, the cut image is cut in Rxx, and indicated by their reference numbers, When they are equivalent, it abbreviates as Gxx (MXx, Rxx) etc.

First, as shown in Figs. 12A to 12C, for example, the 1st, 3rd, and 5th paragraphs (1, 2, 3) shown in Fig. 17B correspond to the " automatic size shift mode " Printed in a five-paragraph configuration with paragraphs set to "easy" (shown as "easy paragraph" in the illustration), and other second and fourth paragraphs set to other character size modes ("cost shown as paragraph" in the illustration). In the case where the image data G10 is reduced in accordance with a fixed length setting value, a paragraph (easy paragraph) set to "automatic" is used here for a variable size paragraph (variable size element image) and other paragraphs for a fixed size paragraph (fixed size element). Image).

Since the above-mentioned "automatic easy" mode is equivalent to the so-called "character size shift mode", the "easy paragraph" is compared with the paragraph which needs only the system of the paragraph itself, ie, the paragraph set to another mode, and the like. The paragraphs do not reflect the user's intentions in the layout of.

For example, if the user wants to produce a label in which title portions such as videos are arranged in the same size using this tape print length value 1, and a plurality of videos labeled with this label are listed and stored. It is considered that it is not easy to set a mode of "automatic ease" in which the character size is assigned to the tape print length value 1 in the paragraph of the title portion.

In other words, the paragraph of the important title section is set to another mode, so that the text size of the memo recording information such as the date is cumbersome to set as a variable size paragraph setting so that it is only necessary to read and input after printing. A usage method such as setting a mode of " automatic easy "

Of course, other modes may be set to variable size paragraphs as in the above-mentioned "automatic ease", but in the following description, paragraphs (easy paragraphs) set to "automatic ease" are referred to as variable-size paragraphs (variable size element images), A paragraph (cost paragraph) set to another mode is described as a fixed size paragraph (fixed size element image).

When the fixed length is set and returns to the text input screen, and at the same time, a constant length setting ratio is generated and the constant length processing is started, as shown in Fig. 11, first, the length in the case of printing the basic image created by the user (Print length value), i.e., the length (hereinafter referred to as "print length") when it is printed as it is when the fixed length is not set (arbitrary length) or when it falls within a certain length range of the basic image ( S11), and compares with a predetermined length set value (S12).

For example, FIG. 14A shows an example of a print image having an arbitrary length of 13.1 cm and a paragraph number N = 4, and FIG. 15A shows an example of a print image of an arbitrary length of 16.8 cm and a paragraph number N = 5. 14A to 14H and FIGS. 15A to 15G show examples of printed images when various fixed length settings are made. In these cases, 13.1 [cm] and 16.8 [cm] are calculated in the above print length value calculation S11.

Compared with the original print length value and the fixed length set value at the arbitrary length, that is, immediately after the creation of the base image (S12), and if the print length value is equal to or less than the predetermined length set value (S12: No), the basic image may be printed as it is. Since the predetermined print area is entered, the predetermined length processing is terminated as it is (S24). Next, when the user presses the print key 322 at an arbitrary time point, the base image (e.g., print image data G20 (M20, R20) in Fig. 14A, print image data G30 (M30) (M30) in Fig. 15A). , R30)) can be printed as it is as a print image.

On the other hand, when the print length value of the base image exceeds the fixed length set value (S12: Yes), the variables i and N are initialized (i = 1, N = number of paragraphs) (S13). For example, when the base image (printed image data G10) of FIG. 12A exceeds a predetermined length setting value (S12: Ye s), the variables i and N are then initialized (i = 1, N = 5) (S13).

When the initialization of the variables (i, N) is finished (S13), it is then determined whether or not the reduction has been completed up to a predetermined number of steps (here, prescribed by 5) (S14).

Here, when the predetermined steps are ended, that is, even if the number of steps is reduced to the fifth step (see FIG. 13), the predetermined schedule is not yet set (S14: Yes). In order to inform the user that the printer cannot print in the length range (i.e., the desired printing area), an error of "constant length character remainder" is displayed on the display screen 41 of the display 4 (S23), The process ends (S24).

On the other hand, when not ending until the reduction of the predetermined fifth step (S14: No), the number of paragraphs N (for example, N = 5 in the examples of Figs. 12A to 12C) is substituted into the variable (n) ( Sl5) Next, it is discriminated whether or not the nth paragraph (5th paragraph) is a "dragon short circuit" (S16).

In the example of a to c of Fig. 12, as described above, since the fifth paragraph is a "short circuit" (3 in G10), when this is done (S16: Yes), the paragraph is next to the i stage (first time). Is changed to the character size of i = 1) (S17).

In the tape print length value 1, as shown in Fig. 13, when the character size of the base image is the default size, it is prescribed what size is to be reduced in the i (= 1 to 5) steps.

In addition, for the sake of simplicity, the character of the character size in this case is not only letters, numbers, symbols, simplified figures, etc., but also a concept including a slightly complicated figure registered by foreign character registration, drawing registration, or the like. An image composed of a dot matrix or the like.

That is, in this reduction process (S17), by reducing the size of each character image, it is possible to reduce the "easy paragraph" which is a variable size paragraph (variable size element image).

In the example of a to c in Fig. 12, as described above, since the fifth paragraph is a "easy short circuit" (3 in G10), by this reduction processing, firstly, the fifth paragraph is the i-th step, that is, the first one is shown in Fig. 13. The character size of step 1 (i = 1) is changed to (S17).

In addition, since print length values other than the tape print length value 1 usually have sizes of a plurality of character images, in these cases, the reduction process can be easily performed by simply changing the character size.

Further, in the tape print length value 1, when the "easy paragraph" of the variable size paragraph (variable size element image) has a plurality of rows, as shown in FIG. 13, the size of each row is made to be relatively the same ratio. Zoom out.

For example, if the first row has M rows and the second row has two rows of S size (the column of M + S in the drawing), the first row is the axis M size and the second row is the axis S size (the axis M + axis S in the drawing). The ratio is reduced to the same ratio as the original ratio M / S (that is, M / S = axis M / axis S).

That is, in the tape print length value 1, since the reduction of the variable size paragraph (variable size element image) having a plurality of rows is made such that the size of the character image of each row is relatively the same ratio, the variable size paragraph (variable size) Element image) can be reduced in the same relative appearance, and the intention of the user who set (expected) the relative relationship at the time of creating the base image can be reflected in the printed image.

In the above description, only the size of the character image has been described. However, if there is a margin (margin image) between each character image, only the margin image can be easily reduced with respect to the variable size paragraph (variable size element image). Can be reduced. In addition, the size of the character image can be reduced simultaneously.

In the case of having a blank image before and after the character image, similarly, the variable size paragraph (variable size element image) can be easily reduced by simply reducing the margin image. Of course, the size of the above-described character image and the margin image between each character image can be reduced simultaneously.

When the above-mentioned reduction process is completed (S17), the print length value at that time is calculated next (S18). At this point in time, for example, in the example of Figs. 12A to 12C, "Easy Paragraph" (3 in G10) of the fifth paragraph is changed to the character size of the first stage (S17) and reduced (3 in G11). ).

Next, compared with the print length value and the constant length set value (S19), if the print length value is equal to or less than the constant length set value (S19: No), the reduced image at that time (for example, the print image data of FIG. 12B ( If G11)) is printed as a print image, it enters the predetermined print area, and thus the predetermined length processing is terminated (S24).

Thereafter, as described above, the user can press the print key 322 at any point in time to print the reduced image as a print image in the print area.

On the other hand, when the print length value exceeds the fixed length set value at that time (S19: Yes), the variable N is then updated (decrement: n ← n-1) (S20), and the variable ( It is determined whether or not N) is 0, that is, whether or not all the paragraphs have been reduced (S21), and when not ending (S21: No), whether or not the new nth paragraph is a "long paragraph", In other words, it is discriminated whether or not it is a variable size short circuit (variable size element image) (S16).

At this point in time, for example, in the example of FIGS. 12A to 12C, the fourth paragraph is newly added to the nth paragraph by updating the variable N (n = 5-1 = 4) (S20). The second is a "cost short circuit" (a short circuit between ② and ③ of G11). Therefore, at this time (S16: No), the reduction is not performed. Then, the variable N is updated again (n = 4-). 1: 3) (S20), whether or not all the paragraphs have been terminated (n≤0) is determined (S2l), and when not terminated (S21: No), the new nth paragraph (3rd paragraph) ) Is discriminated whether or not is a variable size paragraph (variable size element image) of "easy paragraph" (S16).

At this point, the third paragraph in FIG. 12B is a "easy paragraph" (2 in G11), so that the same size as in the fifth paragraph described above is reduced to the size of the first stage (see FIG. 13). The processing is performed (S17), and the print length value of the reduced image (G12 in FIG. 12C) at that time is calculated (S18), and if the print length value is equal to or less than a predetermined length set value (S19: No), the reduced image (G12). Is printed as a print image, it enters a predetermined print area, and thus the predetermined length processing ends (S24).

On the other hand, when the print length value exceeds the fixed length set value at that time (S19: Yes), the variable N is updated (n = 3-1 = 2) (S20) and it is determined whether or not all paragraphs have been completed. It is determined whether or not (n ≦ 0) (S21).

The reduction processing by the above loop processing is performed (S16 to S21), and all the paragraphs of the update of the variable N (n = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) are terminated (n≤0) (S21: Yes) If the print length value of the reduced image created in the meantime becomes less than or equal to the predetermined length set value (S19: No), printing the reduced image as a print image enters the predetermined print area, and thus the fixed length process ends. (S24)

Thereafter, as described above, the user can press the print key 322 at any point in time to print the reduced image as a print image in the print area.

In general, in the tape print length value, one synthesis and the like of sentences (including numbers, symbols, simplified figures, etc., and a slightly complicated figure such as foreign characters registered) are summarized as one paragraph. The contents (purpose) and importance of the images are different from each other.

As described above, in the tape print length value 1, a plurality of element images constituting the original basic image created by the user (for example, the print image data G10) are printed on the tape T, respectively. Since it corresponds to one of the paragraphs, if the image of each paragraph is distinguished according to the importance or the like, a basic image is created, and if each paragraph is set according to the importance, the purpose or importance of each paragraph is also reduced. It is reflected in this printed image, and the intention at the time of making it can be reflected clearly.

Thus, for example, when a label in which title parts such as a video are arranged in the same size and a plurality of labeled videos are to be stored, a different mode is set for paragraphs such as important titles and fixed size is set. In the paragraph of information of memo recording degree such as the date, by setting the "Auto Easy" mode to a variable size, a printed image reflecting the intention can be created, and by printing it, the desired (for example, The title part is arranged in the same size.) A label can be produced.

By the way, by the above-mentioned reduction processing (S16 to S21) by the loop processing, all the short circuits of the update of the variable N (n = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) are terminated (n ≦ 0). When the print length value of the reduced image created in the meantime becomes (S21: Yes) up to (S21: Yes), it is determined as the end (n≤0) for all paragraphs (S21: Yes) Next, the variable i is updated (increment: i ← i-1) (S22), and again, it is determined whether or not the reduction is completed by the fifth step (the predetermined number of steps) (S14). .

Here, when not ending until the reduction of the predetermined fifth step (S14: No), the number N of paragraphs (e.g., N = 5 in the examples of FIGS. 12A to 12C) is substituted into the variable N (S15). ), And the reduction processing by loop processing from the determination whether the next nth paragraph (the fifth paragraph) is "distribution of the dragon" (S16 to S21).

In this case, the size referred to in FIG. 13 becomes the size of the second (= i = 1 + 1) stage, and here, too, when the print length value of the reduced image created in the meantime is equal to or less than the predetermined length setting value (S19: Yes). The variable i is further updated (i = 2 + 1 = 3) (S22), and the same loop processing (S14 to S22) is performed.

Then, the variable i is updated (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and the above l-loop processing (S14 to S22) is performed, and reduced until the predetermined fifth step (see FIG. 13) (S14). If the print length value of the reduced image created in the meantime is equal to or less than a predetermined length set value (S19: No), the printed image is printed as a print image and enters a predetermined print area. The process ends (S24).

Thereafter, as described above, the user can press the print key 322 at any point in time to print the reduced image as a print image in the print area.

As described above, in this tape print length value 1, since the reduction of each variable size paragraph (each variable size element image) includes the reduction of a predetermined plurality of stages, each variable size paragraph (each variable size element image) is included. It is possible to reduce gradually, thereby obtaining a plurality of reduced images that are reduced in stages.

In addition, in the tape print length value 1, when the reduced-length image which is gradually reduced (reduced in steps in a plurality of steps) becomes less than or equal to the predetermined length set value (S19: No), the predetermined length processing is terminated (S24). In other words, when a plurality of reduced images are obtained in steps in a plurality of steps, a reduced image of the largest size among the reduced images that can be printed in the print area is selected as the print image. Then, the selected print image is the largest size that can be printed in the print area. That is, a large and stand out printed image can be created.

On the other hand, even when the variable i is updated (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and reduced to the predetermined fifth step (see FIG. 13), when it is not yet below the predetermined length set value (S14: (Yes) displays an error of "the remainder of the constant length characters" in order to inform the user that the set constant length range (i.e., the desired print area) cannot be printed (not printable) as described above (S23). The length process is terminated (S24).

That is, in the tape print length value 1, when the reduced size image of the smallest image reduced in stages in a plurality of stages of reduction is impossible to print in the print area, the user is notified that the tape print length value 1 is used. It can be seen that printing in the print area is impossible. As a result, the user can easily cope with the earlier time such as changing to another base image or other setting. In other words, it is possible to cope by changing the setting when the printed image becomes a desired arrangement or it is found that printing is impossible in the print area.

In addition, as the tape printing apparatus 1, even if the reduction step of the size of each variable size paragraph (each variable size element image) is 1 (for example, as G10-> G11-> G12-> in FIGS. 12A-12C), The number of variable sized paragraphs (variable size elemental images) (3 to 3 in the example of FIGS. 12A to 12C) can be reduced, and the reduced number of shares can be used as candidates for print images. As a result, delicate and precise reduction processing can be performed, whereby a print image suitable for the printing area can be created.

In this case, for the same basic image (for example, G0 in FIG. 12A), for example, G40 (same as G0 in FIG. 16A to 16C)-> G41-> G42-> As described above, in one reduction step, the plurality of variable size paragraphs (variable size element images) may be reduced by one step. In this case, the reduction size in one reduction step can be increased. For example, when the size of the basic image and the size that can be printed are separated from each other, the reduction processing can be speeded up.

In addition, with respect to each variable size paragraph (each variable size element image) described above, a method of sequentially reducing (reduction as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C) and a method of reducing one step at a time (reduction as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C) Method) can be selected by mode setting or the like.

As described above, in the tape printing apparatus 1, at least one fixed size element image (an image of "cost paragraph" in a fixed size paragraph) and at least one variable size element image (image of "easy paragraph" in a variable size paragraph) Since at least one of the variable size element images is reduced at the time of creating a base image having a plurality of element images composed of a plurality of element images, the size of the fixed size element image does not change even when the base image is reduced to enable printing. .

For this reason, if an elementary image is distinguished from each other by characteristics of each elementary image, for example, an important elemental image is a fixed-size elemental image, and an elemental image that is not is a variable-size elemental image, and an elementary image is created, the intention of creating a basic image Is also reflected in the printed image.

Therefore, the tape printing apparatus 1 can reduce the intention of the creation of the base image in the print image of the result of the reduction while reducing the base image as the base to enable printing in the preset print area.

Further, the tape printing apparatus 1 can set, for example, the character size mode setting or the like for each of the created element images (each paragraph) whether the element image is a fixed size element image or a variable size element image. .

For this reason, a basic image which distinguishes the element image size characteristics of each element image, for example, an important element image is set as a fixed size element image, and an element element not as a variable size element image can be created. That is, the intention of the user or the like in creating each elementary image of the basic image can be reflected more clearly in the printed image.

Further, since the element image size characteristic can be set for each created element image, it is possible to cope by changing the setting when the print image is placed in a desired arrangement or when it is found that printing is impossible in the print area.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in the case where a plurality of short-circuits (elemental images) are arranged in the width direction, the lengthwise direction of the variable sized paragraphs (variable size elemental images) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tape is reduced. It is possible to reduce the size and to print in a limited print area in the width direction, and to use both the length direction and the width direction together.

In addition, although FIG. 5 mentioned above was explained on the premise of performing various insertion processes by key input, it can be made the same even if other methods, such as managing an independent program for each process by multitask process etc., are carried out. have.

In addition, the tape supplied from the tape cartridge may not only be a tape with release paper, but also no release paper, such as a transfer tape and an iron transfer tape, which are commercially available.

Furthermore, in addition to a tape printing apparatus, it is applicable to the tension generating apparatus which prints the mask data for creating the tensile image formed in the tension printing surface, for example on a ribbon tape. In addition, the object to be printed may not be a tape, and if it is to print a print image in a preset printing area on the object to be printed, it can be applied as a printing method of another apparatus and the apparatus.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the tape, which is a printing object, is moved, but it is also applicable to a type of printing in which a print head (thermal head, etc.) is mounted on a carriage, for example, and moved relatively to a floating printing object. It may be a type which moves mutually (both).

In the case where the print head is a thermal head, if the print head is to be printed by the heating element of the thermal head, the print head can be applied regardless of a method such as a sublimation type thermal transfer method or a melt type thermal transfer method for subliming ink.

In addition, even when the object to be printed is a thermal paper or the like, printing can be performed by generating an amount of heat in a predetermined range for appropriately discoloring the printed portion and applying the amount of heat directly to the object to be printed.

In addition, although the thermal head was used as a print head in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is applicable also to the case of other types of print heads, such as an inkjet system. Further, even if the printed object is cut, it can be applied even if it is continuous.

As described above, according to the method for producing a print image of the present invention, the apparatus, and the printing apparatus including the apparatus, the print image of the result of the reduction is reduced while the base image as the base is reduced so that printing can be performed in a preset printing area. It is possible to reflect the intention when creating a basic image.

The foregoing is a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (31)

A method of creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object, Creating a base image having a plurality of element images consisting of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image; In the case where the base image is not printable in the print area as the print image, printing which creates a reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size elemental image of the base image. How to create an image. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating the basic image comprises: Creating the plurality of elementary images; For each of the created element images, setting a size characteristic including a setting as to whether the element image is one of the at least one fixed size element image or one of the at least one variable size element image. Way. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein creating the reduced image comprises: Selecting at least one reduction ratio of the plurality of reduction ratios at which the at least one variable size element image is reduced; And reducing the at least one variable size element image at the selected at least one reduction ratio. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the selecting of the at least one reduction ratio comprises: reducing the at least one reduction ratio and a maximum size among the possible sizes at which the reduction image can reduce the base image using the plurality of reduction ratios. Print image creation method comprising selecting to have. The method of claim 4, wherein the selecting at least one reduction factor comprises: In descending order, temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction rates; Calculating a size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio; And actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. 4. An error message according to claim 3, wherein when the size of the reduced image calculated by applying the minimum reduction ratio of the plurality of reduction ratios to all of the at least one variable size elemental image is larger than the size of the print area, an error message is output. The print image creation method further comprising the step. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, Selecting the at least one reduction ratio, In descending order, temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction rates; Sequentially increasing the number of selected ones of the variable size element images to which the temporarily selected reduction ratio of the plurality of variable size element images should be applied; Each time the number of the selected variable size elemental images increases, calculating the size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio; And each step of actually selecting at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, Selecting the at least one reduction ratio, In descending order, temporarily selecting one of the plurality of reduction rates; Calculating the size of the reduced image by applying the temporarily selected one reduction ratio to all of the plurality of variable size element images; And actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one variable size element image includes a variable size element image having at least one character image, and the at least one character image has a plurality of setable character sizes. The creating of the reduced image may include changing the original text size of each of the at least one text image into a size smaller than the original text size by selecting one suitable for the plurality of sizes. How to write. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the variable size element image having at least one character image includes a plurality of rows of character images, The step of creating the reduced image includes the step of selectively setting the plurality of character sizes in the respective rows so that each of the character images is reduced at the same reduction ratio. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one variable size elemental image includes a blank image other than a character image between a plurality of character images and an adjacent one of the character image, The creating the reduced image comprises reducing the size of the blank image. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one variable size elemental image includes at least one character image and a margin image before and after the image; And reducing the reduced image comprises reducing the size of the margin image. The printing image creation method according to claim 1, wherein the printing object is a tape. The printing image creation method according to claim 13, wherein the elementary image is configured by arranging the plurality of element images in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The printing image creation method according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of element images corresponds to a plurality of paragraphs printed on a tape. A print image creating device for creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object, Basic image creating means for creating a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image; When it is impossible to print the base image in the print area as the print image, reduction of creating the reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image. A printed image creating device comprising image creating means. The method of claim 16, wherein the basic image creating means, Element image creating means for generating the plurality of element images; A printing having size characteristic setting means for setting a size characteristic including settings for each of the created element images, whether the element image is the at least one fixed size element image or one of the at least one variable size element image; Image creation device. The said reduced image creation means of Claim 16 or 17, Reduction ratio selecting means for selecting at least one reduction ratio among the plurality of reduction ratios in which the at least one variable size element image is reduced; And a reduction means for reducing the at least one variable size element image at the selected at least one reduction ratio. 19. The print image according to claim 18, wherein the reduction ratio selecting means selects the at least one reduction ratio such that the reduction image has a maximum size among the possible sizes that can reduce the base image using the plurality of reduction ratios. Authoring device. The method of claim 19, wherein the reduction ratio selection means, Temporary selecting means for temporarily selecting one of said plurality of reduction rates in descending order; Size calculating means for calculating a size of the reduced image using at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio; And a real selection means for actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein when the size of the reduced image calculated by applying the minimum reduction ratio of the plurality of reduction ratios to all of the at least one variable size elemental image is larger than the size of the print area, an error message is output. Printed image creation device further comprising a notification means. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, The reduction ratio selecting means, Temporary selecting means for temporarily selecting one of said plurality of reduction rates in descending order; An application variable size element image increasing means for sequentially increasing the number of selected ones of the variable size element images to which the temporarily selected reduction ratio of the plurality of variable size element images is to be applied; A size calculating means for calculating the size of the reduced image at least using the temporarily selected reduction ratio, each time the number of the selected variable size elemental images increases; And a real selection means for actually selecting at least the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one variable size element image comprises a plurality of variable size element images, The reduction ratio selecting means, Temporary selecting means for temporarily selecting one of said plurality of reduction rates in descending order; Size calculating means for calculating the size of the reduced image by applying the temporarily selected one reduction ratio to all of the plurality of variable size element images; And a real selection means for actually selecting the temporarily selected reduction ratio when the calculated size is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one variable size element image includes a variable size element image having at least one character image, and the at least one character image has a plurality of setable character sizes, The reduced image creating means includes text size changing means for changing the original text size of each of the at least one text image to a size smaller than the original text size by selecting one suitable for the plurality of sizes. Print image creation device. The variable size element image having at least one character image includes one having a plurality of rows of character images, And said reduced image creating means includes character size setting means for selectively setting said plurality of character sizes in each row so that each character image is reduced at the same reduction ratio. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said at least one variable size elemental image includes a blank image other than a character image between a plurality of character images and an adjacent one of said character image, And said reduced image creating means includes means for reducing the size of said blank image. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one variable size elemental image includes at least one character image and a margin image before and after it, Reducing the reduced image comprises a means for reducing the size of the blank image. 17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein said print object is a tape print image creating apparatus. The printing image generating device according to claim 28, wherein the elementary image is configured by arranging the plurality of element images in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the tape. A printing image creating device according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of element images respectively correspond to a plurality of paragraphs printed on a tape. A print image creating device for creating a print image for printing in a preset print area on a print object, Basic image creating means for creating a basic image having a plurality of element images composed of at least one fixed size element image and at least one variable size element image; When it is impossible to print the base image in the print area as the print image, reduction of creating the reduced image of the base image as the print image by reducing at least one of the at least one variable size element image of the base image. Image creation means Printed image generating apparatus having a; And And printing means for printing a print image created by the print image creating apparatus in the print area.